Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of obtaining loans for the capital territory without the approval of the National Assembly.

Kingibe made the allegation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, where she said she had previously raised concerns about the minister’s borrowing activities with the Senate leadership.

According to her, she had never seen Wike appear before the Senate to seek approval for any loan obtained for the FCT.

“I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly and before the Senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.

Kingibe explained that FCT budgets are ordinarily presented to the Senate through the relevant committee for scrutiny before being considered and approved by the upper chamber.

She, however, alleged that the minister had bypassed the legislative process in securing loans for the nation’s capital.

“I am definitely saying he has been taking loans without the approval of the National Assembly. I don’t know about the House, but certainly not the Senate,” she said.

The senator said she discovered the alleged borrowings after examining data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) covering loans obtained between August 2023 and March 2026.

Kingibe challenged anyone who disputes her claim to produce the *Votes and Proceedings* showing that Wike appeared before the National Assembly to seek approval for the loans.

“If anybody contradicts me, they should bring the Votes and Proceedings of the day that Wike came to the National Assembly to ask for approval for anything,” she said.

She further argued that President Bola Tinubu, under whose authority Wike serves as FCT minister, submits requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly for approval.

Kingibe maintained that Wike’s powers as a minister could not exceed those of the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.